When Rose Diseases Aren't: Hey, Mark, I might have discovered something here. I have been

» WilliamG - Hey, Mark, I might have discovered something here. I have been

Hey, Mark, I might have discovered something here. I have been complaining of a mystery disease on some of my miniatures which I couldn't really place as blackspot because of one the weather (isn't it a little to HOT for blackspot and most other fungal diseases?) and that it just didn't really fit the description. Well there are several of the mini's which have been experiencing the problem of the ends of the leaves turning brown and looking dry and crisped. I wondered if it was the heat or a fungal disease but now the thought occurs based on the article that it might be a potassium or other micronutrient deficiency because of the quantity of watering which has been required because of the heat?

What do you think and how can I add to the soil a potassium additive to test the theory. Do you think this might dictate the regular use of a time release fertilizer or rose food on the mini's in containers because of the required additional watering. I know it is really hot but this has put me in a quandary because not all of the various roses are affected.

William Groth, Houston TX,

USDA zone 9a Upper Texas Gulf Coast

Budding Rosarian (actually a HARJ), Herbophile,

Gardener and Avid Aquarist, Enophile and Genealogist

-- posted by WilliamG